Membership Q and A 5. Does the team do anything besides train?
Absolutely!!! We are all about balance. Not only do you become part of a great training circle, you also become part of a great social circle. We have numerous social activies such as BBQ's, ice cream runs, Thanksgiving dinners, to name a few; and just plain ole hangin out.
6. What kind of gear do I need to be a triathlete?
All things considered, you need running shoes/clothes, swim goggles/swimsuit, and a bike/helmet. We recommend starting out with a roadbike with clipless cycling shoes/cleats, but not totally necessary. While triathlon can be an expensive sport, beginners should start out simple and get a few races under their belt. Depending on your goals, you can always aquire more gear, which may include winter training clothing, a triathlon style bike, and a wetsuit. You can always ask our coaches or experienced athletes what other gear gets you the most bang for your buck. With respect to clothing, we have custom team wear which looks really sharp. You can buy literally anything you want to handle any weather conditions. Popular items include triathlon tops/bottoms, jackets, fleece bib tights, vests, bib knickers, leg/arm warmers, and summer cycling shorts. Our first gear order for the Fall will be September 15, 2011. An additional Fall order will be done in October. If you order by September 15, you will have your gear for winter training.
7. What conference triathlons do we race?
During the Fall, we focus on two races. The first is Octoberfest , which is a sprint distance triathlon on September 25 located just down the road in Longmont, CO. This is the best race for beginners/newbies to try their hand at the sport. Following this we attend Pumpkinman in Las Vegas, NV on October 15. In the Spring, we focus on the Lake Havasu Triathlon held on March 24th and USAT Collegiate Nationals . The date is still to be determined, but will occur in April. During summer, many of our athletes race in the Colorado Triathlon Tour events, Boulder Triathlon Series , and Boulder Stroke and Stride Series , to name a few.
8. Are there opportunities to race for free?
Yes! The team is allotted a handful of race entries to certain races which go to members who go above and beyond for the team. Also, you can volunteer at certain races and earn a free entry to subsequent races put on by the same race producer.
1. How do I join the CSU Tri Team?
All you have to do is come to a meeting or practice , find one of the officers, and pay yearly dues. You can do this at anytime during the fall or spring semester. Jump right in! Dues are $150.
2. What are dues used for?
When you pay dues, you get access to all of our great sponsors, a team cycling jersey, access to our coaching expertise, and funding towards registration and travel to races, such as USAT Collegiate Nationals.
3. How often does the team practice and am I required to come to all practices?
Practices for running and cycling occur virtually every day. We have ride and run leaders which decide on the route and workout consistent with Coach's recommendations. See the practice schedule for workout leaders and ability level. Each workout will have an ability level associated with the event, so you can be sure you are training with people of similar ability. You are by no means required to come to any practices, but we encourage you to train with us and on your own. Both methods of training are necessary for success in the sport. Club Sports allows us sole use of the Moby swimming pool to conduct our swim sessions twice per week. Lanes are separated by ability and the workouts will last ~ 1 hour.
4. How do I become eligible to compete at Collegiate Nationals and other conference races?
You must be a full time CSU student (grad or undergrad) and be 28 or younger to compete at the Collegiate National Champtionship. Only 7 men and 7 women may represent CSU at this race, and the coaches/officers select the team in March. Any member (full or part time) can race at any/all of the conference races which the team attends. Costs depend on sponsorships and how much the team fundraises. Typically, members pay ~ $100 to race at each event which includes travel and registration fees. All racers will need to purchase their own USAT membership here .
Routes and Trails * Click on the yellow links for the Training Peaks GPS file and make sure you scroll down and have a look at the elevation profile and route details
CSU Triathlon Favorite Cycling Routes
1. Rist Canyon to Masonville Loop - 55 mile loop or up to the top of Rist and back is 32 miles. If you like to climb you won't find a better ride than this.
2. The Dams - 20 mile loop with plenty of ups and downs as you traverse Horsetooth Rez and amazing views of FoCo. A couple of short, tough climbs but well worth the effort.
3. Bud Plant Loop - 30 mile loop but can add alot if you want to explore all the farm roads out east. Flat with a few rollers, and great bike lanes.
4. Loveland to US 34 to Glade Road - 45 mile loop often used by the Provelo Group Ride, which starts out flatish, then heads into the hills. You end up in Masonville and come back up Horsetooth before dropping back into town.
5. Red Feather Lakes - This file is one-way only. Roundtrip distance is 90 miles. US 287 has traffic, but also a great bike lane. Once you turn towards Red Feather, the traffic drops off. Great ride with lots of climbing.
CSU Triathlon Favorite Running Routes
1. Spring Creek Park Loop from Moby - 10 mi round trip or shorten by doing an out-and-back.
2. Pineridge Natural Area - 8 to 12 mile loop depending on what you want to do. The trail system up here offers plenty to explore. You can even make your way to the top of Horsetooth if you want.
3. Tour de FoCo Long Run - This file started from Elizabeth and Overland, but can easily start from Moby. A long stretch of this run follows the Spring Creek Trail from the east all the way to Spring Canyon Park. Good mix of pavement and trail if you want to mix it up.
